Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Earthquake

So whenever I think of earthquakes I think of bad 80's movies and California. Instead, now when we think of an earthquake we think of the Midwest and Louisville KY. It was so weird to see buildings I knew in my hometown damaged by a quake, which is something that is a possibility because of the New Madrid line but really... Kentucky? Come on.... No way
Just more proof that the Creation itself groans for its redemption in Christ. May that day come soon where all is made right and the very curse on the ground is lifted and the earth, the heavens, the seas, the animals, and man all exist in the perfect harmony and fellowship that we once had in Eden before the Fall. May the redeeming work of Christ be consummated soon, and I pray that before it does happen we might impact the world for Christ in a new and fresh way
Scott

PS - Check out my graduation present to myself!
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/1_series/12/

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Tax Time!

Today is April 15, otherwise known as the single craziest day in the lives of many Americans who are rushing to fill out their tax returns and get them postmarked by midnight in order to avoid heavy fees and interest from the IRS. The fact that many people are so panicked on this day I think is indicative of a culture that cannot function unless under the pressure of an incredibly tight deadline. While this is advantageous in some cases, it is not a lifestyle that should be so common that we cannot think ahead and make proper planning.
True we know that Scripture says not to make plans because tomorrow is not guaranteed, but that doesn't mean we don't need to be careful and budget our time and order our lives. The principles of order and function seem to be common in Scripture, in fact God takes chaos and puts everything in order and in proper function in Genesis 1-2. The ideal for God is a well-oiled machine that functions properly and works to the end task it has been assigned. That is why deadline-pushing is a stressful time for us. Stress is a reaction generated because of external or internal forces taking our body and mind out of this perfect order, otherwise known as homeostasis. By disrupting the order that God has given us innately, we create an environment within ourselves of stress and panic. Sure there are times where deadlines and panic cannot be avoided, but they should be the exception and not the norm. We should live better than this as Christians, we should live lives governed by the peace of God and not the panic of the Clock.
God has called us to a great and high calling, and we would be remiss if we did not honor Him in the way we conduct our lives. Do not be anxious for anything, but rather give it all to God in prayer, walk with Him and He will give you a comfort and peace that puts all things to rest.
One day, we will be in an eternal Sabbath, an eternal time where we will be at peace with each other, the world, and God, and where the pressures we face now will never be allowed in. Until then, live well, and do your taxes as soon as you can.
Grace and Peace,
Scott

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

One of the most disturbing things I have ever seen...

As many of you know, I work at Starbucks and my typical start time is at 5:00 AM. Getting up that early, there isn't much to catch on TV besides replays of yesterday's game on ESPN, or the early morning news on CNN, which is usually pretty depressing. Typically I get up and read my e-mail and check the headlines on MSN. I know, very youth minister of me, to read the news at 4:30 in the morning, but CH Spurgeon said the two things a minister should read daily are his Bible and the newspaper.
This past week, I saw something that was absolutely shocking and well, as the title says, absolutely disturbing. It was about a website called Miss Bimbo, which is apparently an interactive role-play game where you take a character and make her famous and attractive by getting plastic surgery, taking diet pills (until the recent backlash by concerned parents), and partying. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the great role models of Paris and Lindsay, this is yet another attack on the already fragile self-esteem of pre-teen adolescent girls. It's bad enough that there are shows like "Dr. 90291" and the countless specials done on people who have had plastic surgery and it "changed their lives," magazines which depict the "perfect" body (which has been airbrushed and edited as well), and Barbie whose proportions are physically impossible.
The purpose of this blog is to plead with parents to be mindful of what you let your kids do online, and that there are many things out there which can rot the minds and self-image of your children.
It is also an empassioned plea for students, especially girls, to find their satisfaction in Christ. The psycho-babble of our day cries out for you to feel better about your self-esteem, but I want you to feel good in your Christ-esteem. When things get hard, think about who you are in Christ: a child of God, friend of Christ, super-conqueror, heir of heaven and earth, private audience anytime anywhere with the God of Heaven! Isn't this so much better than being famous or popular, it is so fleeting. Look at Britney Spears, once the hottest ticket available, she is now a joke and a desperate clinger to her former glory.
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, not things on earth which will rot and decay. Fame goes away when someone else comes around, popularity disappears after someone else comes around, partying comes with a price, dating around leaves you feeling empty. But Christ gives you water that satisfies your deepest thirst, gives you purpose and hope.
Jeremiah says that the Lord has plans for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Trust Him with where your life goes, and don't look to Hollywood for your ambition. Girls, know you're beautiful just the way you are, any boy who wants you to change isn't worth your time, and your Heavenly Father created you just as you are and loves you more than you can know.